“Txapote,” whose real name is Alberto Ruiz de Galarreta, is one of the most infamous figures associated with the Basque separatist group ETA. Known for his involvement in numerous violent acts during the group’s campaign for independence, he has become a symbol of the tumultuous conflict in Spain. The “Gadafi Anboto Lista,” often referenced in discussions about ETA, is a list that purportedly includes the names of 40 individuals linked to the organization. This list not only highlights the extent of ETA’s operations but also raises questions about the broader implications of violence and political extremism in the quest for self-determination. The legacies of individuals like Txapote serve as stark reminders of the enduring impact of terrorism on society and the complexities surrounding the pursuit of national identity.
Pedro Sánchez’s coalition government has approved two legislative changes aimed at shortening the prison sentences of over 40 former ETA members, responding to demands from the Basque nationalist party EH Bildu. This modification specifically targets ETA members who have already served time in France and are now eligible for sentence reductions in Spain.
The initiative, passed in September by the Congress of Deputies, involves a bill that alters the legislation governing the exchange of criminal record information. While the initial focus was on transposing a European directive, the bill also includes provisions related to the application and calculation of sentences within European Union member states.
As reported by El Confidencial, this legislative change fulfills a key demand from EH Bildu, which plays a crucial role in supporting the governing coalition of the PSOE and Sumar. In response, the Partido Popular (PP) has announced its intention to challenge the initiative in the Senate.
Txapote y Fiti
Among those who stand to benefit from the recent legislative changes is Xabier García Gaztelu, known as Txapote, a historic leader of ETA who headed the group’s armed wing. Having served 6 years and 9 months in France, a reduction of his sentence could result in his release in 2025.
Txapote was convicted for the murders of numerous individuals, including Alfonso Morcillo Calero, Gregorio Ordoñez Fenollar, Mariano de Juan Santamaría, Enrique Nieto Viyella, Fernando Mugica Herzog, Miguel Ángel Blanco Garrido, José Ignacio Iruretagoyena Larrañaga, Fernando Buesa Blanco, José Luis López de la Calle, Irene Fernández Perera, Maximo Casado Carrera, and José Javier Mugica Astibia.
Another prominent figure who would benefit from the legislative modification is José María Arregui Erostarbe, alias Fiti. According to the Association of Victims of Terrorism (AVT), Fiti has served 8 years and 7 months in France. He was in third-degree prison until his recent release, which was marked by a celebratory reception in Oñate, Guipúzcoa. Fiti was arrested in 1992 during a coordinated operation involving the Civil Guard and French authorities, leading to the dismantling of ETA’s leadership.
José Javier Arizcuren Ruiz, known as Kantauri, is also listed among those eligible for sentence reductions. He served as the top leader of ETA’s military apparatus from 1993 to 1999, a period marked by numerous deadly attacks, including his direct involvement in at least seven murders, notably the Jiménez-Becerril case. Kantauri is set to complete his sentence in November 2032, but the new legislation could allow for his release in 2025 after serving 7 years and 8 months in France.
Benefits for the bloodthirsty Anboto and Guridi
Former ETA leaders María Soledad Iparraguirre, known as Anboto, and Juan Antonio Olarra Guridi are also poised to benefit from the recent legal changes. Iparraguirre has served 15 years in France, where she was arrested in 2004 alongside Mikel Antza. Since her capture, she has been convicted for numerous attacks carried out by ETA, leading to an expected sentence completion date in 2141.
Among her most significant convictions was a 2022 ruling by the Audiencia Nacional, which sentenced her to 425 years for a failed car bomb attack near the Alavés stadium in 1985. As a former member of ETA’s executive committee, she is also responsible for the murder of several individuals, including postal worker Estanislao Galindez in 1985, Army Commander Luciano Cortizo in 1995, and police officer José María Aguirre, who was killed in Bilbao in 1997.
Juan Antonio Olarra Guridi, also known as Jokin, is another ETA member who stands to benefit from the reforms. Previously in charge of ETA’s military apparatus, Olarra is set to complete his sentences on July 8, 2036. However, the new legislation could allow him to account for nearly 8 years served in France, potentially shortening his time in prison. Recent reports from the Civil Guard highlight his role in orchestrating a campaign against politicians from the Partido Popular, alongside Ignacio Gracia Arregui, known as Iñaki de Rentería.
Olarra’s victims include Luis Portero, the former Chief Prosecutor of Andalusia, who was assassinated on October 9, 2000, in Granada. The Audiencia Nacional sentenced Olarra to 30 years for this attack, and a commemorative event for Portero will take place this Tuesday at the Plaza de Castilla courthouses.
If the legal reform is enacted, one of the most notable beneficiaries would be Félix Alberto López, known as Mobutu. Olarra is also linked to numerous other attacks, including a car bomb incident at the Puente de Vallecas in 1995 that resulted in the deaths of six people. For this act, Olarra, along with Ainhoa Múgica, received a combined sentence of 2,500 years. Múgica is also expected to see a reduction of nearly five years from her sentence, which would allow for her release in July 2037.
Mobutu, the ETA member who benefited the most
If the legal reform is approved, Félix Alberto López, known as Mobutu, will be the ETA member to benefit the most. Sentenced to 81 years in prison by the National Court in 2012 for the murder of three civil guards in 1980, Mobutu is due for release in March 2036. However, having served 23 years in France, he could be among the first to be released under the new legislation.
The list of potential beneficiaries includes Gregorio Vicario Setien, who would also be released by crediting nearly 15 years served in France against his sentence, which expires in 2035. Aitor Aguirrebarrena Peio, who completed 7 years and 3 months in France, and Óscar Celarain, who served 7 years and 5 months, are similarly positioned for early release. Another prominent figure is Juan Carlos Iglesias Chuzas, alias Gadafi, who has multiple convictions from the Audiencia Nacional for terrorist attacks committed in the 1990s and 2000s, including a 156-year sentence for his involvement in the murders of two civil guards and an attack on police officers in Bilbao in 1990.
Also on the list is Andoni Otegi, an ETA member involved in the Santa Pola attack that claimed the life of a six-year-old girl. Lexuri Gallastegi and Manex Zubiaga, both from the Madrid commando, served 7 years in France. Íñigo Vallejo Franco, known for his attempt to orchestrate a series of attacks during a summit of EU presidents in 2002, and Ainhoa García Montero, alias Laia, are also included. José Lorenzo Ayestarán and Dolores López Resina, the latter of whom has served over 70 years and would remain in prison until 2046, would benefit from more than 17 years credited for time served in France.
Jon Bienzobas, alias Karaka, who was responsible for the murder of Francisco Tomás y Valiente, is expected to have 18 years and 3 months subtracted from his sentence, which extends to 2282. Other potential beneficiaries include Juan Luis Rubenach Roig, Jon Joseba Troitiño (alias Fredo), Beinat Aguinagalde, Joanes Larretxea Mendiola, Liher Artexabaleta, Alaitz Aramendi, former ETA military chief Gorka Palacios, and another chief, Jurdan Martitegi.
Victims’ associations are fed up
The Association of Victims of Terrorism (AVT) was quick to respond to the proposed legal reform, expressing strong discontent. They reminded the public that in February 2022, they had warned that the government was planning to amend Law 7/2014 to benefit 44 ETA members, with seven potentially facing immediate release. The AVT claims they were “categorically” denied such intentions, labeling the government’s commitment a lie.
“Is there no one behind the wheel in this country?” the AVT stated, expressing hope that the situation might be a mistake that could be rectified in the Senate. However, they also acknowledged that even if changes are made, it would likely only serve as a temporary fix. “Sooner or later, the Bildu roadmap for emptying the prisons will be fulfilled, and Mr. Sánchez and Mr. Marlaska will be able to boast all their lives of being figures of admiration among ETA members,” they asserted.
Similarly, the group Dignidad y Justicia expressed regret that no political party alerted the public about the reform during its discussion in the Congress of Deputies. They condemned the notion that “parties inheriting ETA,” referring to Bildu, could influence such changes.
“We already face enough challenges with the central government, which appears to be facilitating the release and semi-release of ETA terrorists to appease partners like Bildu and the PNV, without even having judicial authority,” stated Daniel Portero, president of the association. “Now more than ever, democratic parties must scrutinize the fine print. This government cannot be trusted.”
The complete list of ETA members who benefited
The list of ETA members currently serving sentences for violent crimes who stand to benefit from the proposed legislative changes includes:
- Jesús María Altable Echarte
- Álvaro Juan Arri Pascual
- José María Arregui Erostarbe
- Xabier García Gaztelu
- Irantzu Gallastegui Sodupe
- José Javier Arizcuren Ruiz
- Mikel Mirena Otegui Unanue
- Juan Ramón Carasatorre Aldaz
- Francisco Javier Gallaga Ruiz
- Juan Carlos Subijana Izquierdo
- Aitor Aguirrebarrena Beldarrain
- Félix Alberto López de Lacalle Gauna
- Juan Antonio Olarra Guridi
- Ainhoa Mugica Goñi
- Óscar Celarain Ortiz
- Juan Carlos Iglesias Chouzas
- Andoni Otegi Eraso
- José Lorenzo Ayestarán Legorburu
- Dolores López Resina
- Juan Luis Rubenach Roig
- Beinat Aguinagalde Ugartemendia
- Joanes Larretxea Mendiola
- Liher Arechabaleta Rodríguez
- Gorka Palacios Alday
- María Soledad Iparraguirre Guenechea
- Jon Bienzobas Arreche
In contrast, those who do not have convictions for violent crimes include:
- Jesús Guinea Sagasti
- Idoya Martínez García
- Jon Mirena San Pedro Blanco
- Balbino Sáez Olarra
- Ainhoa Barbarin Yurrebaso
- Aitzol Gogorza Otaegui
- Gorka Martínez Ahedo
- Ismael Berasategui Escudero
- Luis Enrique Garate Galarza
- Jon Kepa Preciado Izarra
- Gregorio Vicario Setién
- Idoia Mendizábal Múgica
- Lexuri Gallastegui Sodupe
- Manex Zubiaga Bravo
- Íñigo Vallejo Franco
- Ainhoa García Montero
- Jon Joseba Troitiño Ciria
- Alaitz Aramendi Jaunarena
- Jurdan Martitegui Lizaso
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Lista de los 40 Etarras”?
The “Lista de los 40 Etarras” refers to a list of 40 key ETA members who were wanted for their involvement in terrorist activities and crimes. These individuals were among ETA’s leadership and were believed to be responsible for planning and executing some of the organization’s most notorious attacks.
Why is ETA so infamous?
ETA is infamous for its violent tactics, including bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, and extortion. The organization was responsible for the deaths of over 800 people during its violent campaign from the late 1960s until it declared a ceasefire in 2011 and formally disbanded in 2018. ETA’s violent struggle was aimed at establishing an independent Basque state, and its activities polarized Spain and the Basque Country.
What was the role of Txapote in ETA?
Txapote was considered one of the most dangerous and influential ETA leaders in the 1990s and early 2000s. He was involved in planning and executing several killings, including the assassination of Miguel Ángel Blanco (1997), a popular Spanish politician. His capture in 2002 marked a significant blow to ETA’s leadership.
Did Txapote and other ETA members face justice?
Yes, many of the individuals on the “Lista de los 40 Etarras,” including Txapote, were eventually arrested and tried for their roles in ETA’s terrorist activities. Txapote was sentenced to over 800 years in prison for his involvement in multiple murders and terrorist attacks. Despite this, his capture and the arrests of other top leaders contributed to ETA’s gradual weakening.
Is the Basque Country still seeking independence?
While ETA’s violent campaign for independence has largely ended, political movements seeking greater autonomy or independence for the Basque Country still exist. Over the years, there has been a growing push for a peaceful resolution and dialogue between Basque nationalists and the Spanish government. The political landscape is now more focused on democratic means of achieving autonomy rather than through violent means.
What is the legacy of ETA?
ETA’s legacy is deeply controversial. While some Basque separatists view the organization as a symbol of resistance, its violent methods alienated much of the Basque population and led to widespread suffering in both the Basque Country and the rest of Spain. The victims of ETA’s violence, as well as the trauma caused by decades of terrorist attacks, are a major part of Spain’s recent history. The conflict has left lasting political, social, and emotional scars.
Conclusion
This group of individuals (Txapote, Gadafi, Anboto, and others on the “Lista 40”) represents key figures in ETA, an organization responsible for years of violence in Spain. While ETA’s campaign for Basque independence initially gained some support, it was largely condemned both domestically and internationally for its use of violence, including bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. ETA disbanded in 2018, following years of law enforcement pressure and the changing political landscape.
Any discussion of these figures should recognize that they were part of an organization that engaged in extreme violence, and many of their actions caused immense suffering. However, they also remain subjects of historical and political debate, especially concerning the Basque Country’s struggle for independence, the role of violence in achieving political goals, and the eventual resolution of the ETA conflict through peaceful means.
